JS: Who do you think will be the X-Factor for Xavier? Why?
TD: The easy answer is Naji Marshall. While Paul Scruggs seems to be the best player on the team for the first 35 minutes of the game, Marshall really takes over down the stretch. Naji is the guy that X looks to seal the deal and also guard the opponents best player so I think he is the guy.
JS: Can the Bearcats handle Tyrique Jones inside?
TD: I think Trevon Scott has the talent to give Tyrique fits, but Tyrique Jones will not stop until he beats you for a rebound. Tyrique played the UConn game hobbling on one leg in overtime after saving the game on a blocked shot to give Xavier extra time. I worry that Chris Vogt won’t be able to handle his physicality. I covered Vogt at NKU and you certainly see the progress he’s made, but KenPom has him as the 261st in the country in offensive rebounds.
JS: Which point guard should UC be more worried about Gooden or Tandy?
TD: I still lean towards Q (Quentin) because he’s more than likely going be hanging with Chris McNeal and with Q’s size and knowledge of the system are going to be a big factor. KyKy is just electric and when enters the game Cintas erupts.
JS: Xavier has morphed into a Cronin-esqe stayle team. How will that play out in the Shootout?
TD: I think their defense has really become their identity, but it didn’t start this season. Last year they got off to a horrendous start defensively, but after their 6 game losing streak in the Big East play they really locked in and started this movement. Bryce Moore has really played a huge part in solidifying that for the team.
JS: Cincinnati hasn’t beat Xavier at the Cintas Center since 2001-02, does Xavier keep that streak alive?
TD: I do think Xavier wins again, it’s not a dig at Cincinnati and their talent, I just think this Xavier team is farther ahead than Cincinnati is at the moment. I think John Brannen will be exremely successful at Cincinnati and it’s hard to deal with the roster turnover he’s had so far in his tenure, but between the players that are gone plus the injuries they have been going through I just worry they don’t have the horses to pull this one off.
